WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Teen escapes suspected street-robbery attempt

A teenager walking in south Admiral late this afternoon managed to get away from this drive-up confrontation described by his parent:

My teenage son was a victim of an attempted robbery (4:15/4:20 pm) in the intersection of SW Hinds Street and 42nd Ave SW. He was walking home and had just turned east on SW Hinds Street from California Ave SW, when a driver in a black Prius stopped in the intersection and rolled down their window. The driver asked him to walk up to their car. My son started to walk toward home and the driver then asked him if he was a “gang banger.” When my son didn’t respond, the driver then said “stop playing around, I’ll get out of the car and beat your a–.” My son started to walk away and the driver then asked him “what type of phone do you have.” Again my son did not respond. At this time a white car approached the intersection and my son tried to get them to roll down their window to ask for a ride/help. The driver of the car did not respond and at this point another car (red Mazda) approaches the intersection so our son walks up to that car. At the same time he was walking to the red car, the black Prius drives around the traffic circle and hits the white car from the side. The back passengers of the red Mazda opened their door, which allowed my son to get in and they drove away and were able to drop him off at our house a few blocks away.

After my son got into the red car, the black Prius backs up and then pulls forward to hit the white car again and then pulls out and continues driving south on 42nd Ave SW.

The driver of the black Prius was a black male, late teens/early 20s, wearing a gray hoodie and black ski mask (he was not wearing the ski mask at first but pulled it up over his face after he was done talking to my son). The front passenger was a black female, with black “puffy hair/afro like” hair, late teens/early 20s, wearing a black puffer jacket or hoodie? The back seat passenger was a mid-teens black male wearing a blue hoodie.

Police have been contacted by us, the driver of the red Mazda, and the white car. We have spoken to the police and have an incident # 23-340914. They believe these are the same people who have done attempted robberies/robberies in the neighborhood for the past few months. They say that they have guns on them.

We want to thank the driver and passengers in the red Mazda for getting our son home safely.

57 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Teen escapes suspected street-robbery attempt"

  • Alki resident November 26, 2023 (8:02 pm)

    Maybe it’s time our kids carry some sort of GoPro to collect footage of their outings. It’s a damn shame our children can’t even walk in their own neighborhood without being threatened, chased and harassed. This has to end before we lose one of our kids. 

    • wsres November 26, 2023 (9:24 pm)

      Then the thugs would be trying to steal go-pros!

    • Jonas S. November 26, 2023 (10:14 pm)

      Just curious, Alki Resident, what do you think “ending this” would look like?

      • Dan November 26, 2023 (11:57 pm)

        I think the best route is just send all youths to an island and live together. I think twelve to eighteen is probably the norm, but really terrible toddlers and adolescents could get a pass to join. Before anyone gets upset, this is satire. I don’t know how to make humans behave, regardless of age.

        • Jenben November 27, 2023 (7:43 am)

          Well we don’t want them organizing against us!!! We are older and wiser but they are stronger faster and impulsive. So maybe not an island… oh! Do you mean Vashon? Then yes please 

        • WiseWoman November 27, 2023 (8:30 am)

          It starts early. It starts with youth respecting their parents not getting everything given to them. It starts with kids picking up their pwn spaces and belpngings as soon as they can walk. Otherwise you will be picking up after them a lifetime then their spouses… Also these teenagers out doing this have nothing to lose. The lack of safety in America has always been there however these young generations growing up by themselves and once they are sent to juvenile detention where they learn to be better criminals, they brazenly continue to risk more. And these kids carrying guns. Limiting time with teens without supervision is also a start. Guidance and roleplaying scenarios like this over the dinner table or with the teen assisting them how to respond safely. Also not to have phone out while walking. One good answer to the phone question is “oh I left it at home that is why I am going home.” This only works if they did not see you using your phone.

      • No more November 27, 2023 (12:25 am)

        Maybe stopping some of the no license plate cars, taking away their guns, telling them to stop robbing innocent people, and if they don’t, lock them up for enough time to  make them think twice.  This should never happen to any child, or adult for that matter. And definitely not for a month. That’s how vigilantism starts. 

      • DorianLedbecker November 27, 2023 (6:37 am)

        Jonah S. It would look like this: More police available on patrol and more detectives to investigate. It means REAL legal consequences for the perpetrators-jail/restitution. It means help goes to the victims NOT the perpetrators.

      • Alki resident November 27, 2023 (12:19 pm)

        Gee Jonas, maybe locking up the criminals for starters. How about even keeping kids from stealing cars and going on dangerous rampages. 

        • Anne November 27, 2023 (5:51 pm)

          How?

    • Alex November 27, 2023 (6:56 am)

      Parents need to set up their kids’ phones with SOS mode. Once configured a triple tap of the lock button will make the phone call the police, alert emergency contacts, and immediately start recording audio, video, and GPS to the cloud so that it won’t be lost even if the phone is stolen or destroyed.It can be configured on a smartwatch too.And if it is stolen, it should give the police a GPS lock on the vehicle for a while if the phone isn’t turned off.Also, buy device insurance and tell your kids to keep their phones securely locked so that giving up the phone to an aggressor is easier to justify. If there are guns involved, you need to make sure your teen doesn’t feel the need to fight them over something replaceable like a cell phone. Plus, letting a phone get stolen is an opportunity to track and catch the people responsible if you prepare ahead of time.

      • alkiannie November 27, 2023 (1:35 pm)

        Thank you, Alex, for the first helpful response to this article. 

  • Kbota November 26, 2023 (8:22 pm)

    That is so very scary. I am so sorry this happened to your son.

  • Savannah November 26, 2023 (8:58 pm)

    As a parent of 2 teenagers in West Seattle (and very aware of the many attempted robberies in the neighborhood – quite unfortunately) … I too want to thank the driver and passengers in the red Mazda for getting this teen home safely! …and good job teen for being as focused as you were. I am so sorry this happened to you!

  • Seaview Res November 26, 2023 (9:25 pm)

    I was a passenger in the red Mazda.  It was an Uber we picked up near by and just happened upon this intersection.  Kid looked frightened and desperate. It was a very surreal scene.  It appeared the white car that the suspects wrecked into was from the neighborhood as I saw them turn as we were dropping the young kid off.  I hope they reported the incident as well.  Hopefully they or someone they know reads the blog.  Got to get these people off the streets before someone gets hurt or killed!  For what it’s worth, I had my vehicle window smashed in Seaview area last night and I had to report to police.  2nd time in less than 6 months.  I was a part of 2 crimes in less than 24hrs!  This one in broad daylight to a teenager.  Unacceptable!  We need more patrols, more officers and to prosecute the ones we take in.  It’s always easy to say it’s no big deal when it doesn’t happen to you.  If things keep up this way, it will happen to you eventually or someone you know or love.  Please be vigilant, report suspicious activity and pressure our leaders and our city to not stand by and make this “the norm”.  We all deserve better… especially our youth.  SMH.

    • WS Res November 27, 2023 (12:07 am)

      Thank you for looking out for your neighbors, and if I understand right, it seems like your Uber driver was willing to help also? I hope you tipped them disproportionately well and gave them a 5 star rating. Thanks for being a good neighbor.

      • Seaview Res November 27, 2023 (8:31 am)

        Yes we should all be looking out for each other.  I’m glad no one was hurt.  The driver said it was his craziest interaction with being an Uber Driver.  He was calm and just did what we all thought was the right thing to do. My buddy was paying for the ride and he did tip well and 5 stars.  

    • ER November 27, 2023 (10:40 am)

      Thank you so much to you, your friends and the Uber driver. I am the mom and we are so grateful you helped him out. 

      • Seaview Res November 27, 2023 (4:23 pm)

        You’re welcome.  I’m glad he is safe now.  I have a young child and they are getting to the age where something like this could happen to them.  It takes a village.  My friends and I would do it agin to help anyone.  I’m glad the Uber driver didn’t resist so he deserves credit as well.  Your son did the right thing.  Pay this blessing forward any way you can. 

      • Ly November 27, 2023 (11:49 pm)

        Goodness. I’m glad your son is ok. My husband and young son walk that route sometimes in the evening and it scares me that this happened. Another time I was with my son some mentally ill person stopped walking and turned to face us. We were just walking in our neighbourhood on 44th and Hinds. I was ready to run into a neighbour’s yard and scream for help if it went south. I hate that we are so wary now even just on a stroll. 

      • Pauline November 28, 2023 (11:52 am)

        Hi ER, I might have a Ring snapshot of the black car. 4:20 pm 42nd ave southbound, cross st Manning. I looked at my ring originally but knew this car was not a prius. If the car was indeed a Kia, then I might have it. There is no other detail other thank black car southbound. But if the video will help, I will figure out how to pull it off of Ring.

        • Christine November 28, 2023 (3:19 pm)

          It’s a Kia. I saw it speeding north on Walnut. 

    • mygoodness November 27, 2023 (1:45 pm)

      If it helps, Seaview Res, I don’t know of anyone here who thinks the rising crime in West Seattle is ‘no big deal because it doesn’t happen to us’. We are all very upset about it.  We read the Blog, we see the incidents, we have friends. It’s awful. I report everything. I have changed my lifestyle. I care for and warn people about the new dangers. BTW, Ballard kids have been assaulted and victimized for some time now like this. Sadly, this isn’t unique to West Seattle. https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/they-all-grabbed-me-threw-me-ballard-students-recall-one-several-terrifying-attacks/DQRZNK5BSNGJXJF2FAUJ23JHSU/

      • Seaview Res November 27, 2023 (5:19 pm)

        It does help to know that people are aware and want change.  Unfortunately, some have become too tolerant of criminal behavior.  It seems at times they are the majority when it may just be they are the vocal majority.  We can’t all remain silent in our voice or our actions.  This blog post rant doesn’t do much to help at all to be honest but at least it can show that we are not alone in that our community and city needs change.  Our communities, our children and our neighbors deserve better.  Please support those in leadership and those in your community who support reducing crimes of all kinds and those that have real plans to do so.  Our peace and safety is at stake.

        • Seattlite November 27, 2023 (7:29 pm)

          As a fellow Seaview Resident, I  am with you Seaview Res.    Something needs to be done about the criminal element that seems to be growing and getting more bodacious.

    • Also John November 27, 2023 (7:04 pm)

      “We need more patrols, more officers and to prosecute the ones we take in.”     YES!!!!!!

  • wsres November 26, 2023 (9:25 pm)

    Does anyone know, in the other robberies the police think these 3 are connected to, are they driving the same car, or are these stolen cars that are different each time?

  • M November 26, 2023 (9:26 pm)

    I am glad your son is safe. This is scary. I was walking at that time at 40th and Hinds street.  Now we can’t even walk safely in our neighborhood 

  • HP November 26, 2023 (9:44 pm)

    From time to time I see a black Prius with no license plates (just a black & red dealership commercial covered by a dirty plastic cover) in High Point, being driven by a teenager. Was there a license plate on this car? We have a lot of Priuses in High Point, but black ones without license plates are very rare.

  • Highpoint1 November 26, 2023 (11:00 pm)

    My teen works in WestWood village and it has been difficult to give him a ride to work/home because of my work hours. Unfortunately, riding the bus, let alone walking after sunset isn’t safe anymore. Just last week, he got chased by some vagrant at the bus stop across Target. I wish there was some carpool service for working teens.

    • Anne November 27, 2023 (8:15 am)

      Call an Uber for your teen. 

    • HS November 27, 2023 (8:27 am)

      I don’t use that bus stop anymore. It’s the end of the line from downtown for both the C and 21 and I’ve also had safety concerns there. Aside from the carpool idea, I recommend he walk up to 35th. I live north of the area, walk & use transit daily and have had no incidents in the area outside of that WV bus stop & park. He can exit WV via a footpath at the west end of Target, past the bank. There are lots of neighbors walking their dogs in this area at that time, It’s a surprisingly short walk and he can catch the C at 35th & Barton, or the 21N across the street in front of Tony’s market which now has a lot of Xmas tree customer flow. Both have lighting, regular traffic and pedestrians.

    • justjosh November 27, 2023 (12:51 pm)

      While it is probably not the cheapest option Uber does provide accounts for teens with parental approval. It doesn’t address the larger systemic issue, of course, but it can provide parents and guardians with an additional transit option especially during the early dark hours we have right now.

      • alkiannie November 27, 2023 (1:38 pm)

        Thank you for this helpful post, JustJosh.

  • Rhonda November 27, 2023 (12:20 am)

    Residents need to report ANYTHING suspicious in their neighborhoods, especially out-of-place vehicles without plates with multiple occupants. Even with SPD’s short staffing, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and more patrol cars will be sent to the Peninsula the more calls come in. 

  • Joe November 27, 2023 (3:04 am)

    Totally sad know this insanity is going on in WS!

  • Mr. X November 27, 2023 (4:53 am)

    I am sorry your teen experienced this but glad to hear it turned out okay. Thanks to the white car and red Mazda folks for helping out.

    You might want to ask neighbors at that intersection for any Ring/doorbell camera footage.

    A few random thoughts –

    If you happen upon an incident like this, things happen fast and it is very easy to get caught up in the moment.

    1. Call 911 immediately. Every incident needs to be reported so SPD has accurate data on when and where these crimes are occurring, and can prioritize resources accordingly It also gets help headed to the incident right away.
    2. Start recording video of the situation, vehicles, people. Get plates if you can. Start the video even while still on the phone with 911.

    SPD has great info and tips here:https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/personal-safety

    One thing SPD does not list but I have heard from other safety experts: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO RUN. Get away from the threat as fast as possible. Humans have a “fight or flight” reflex for a reason – listen to your gut and take off running while also making a big commotion. When you run, ideally run in the opposite direction of the vehicle so they would have to turn around to chase you; most criminals will not pursue you and will instead quickly leave the area.

    I’m sure others have good advice and tips too. Stay safe and let’s keep taking care of each other.

    • alkiannie November 27, 2023 (1:48 pm)

      Great post, Mr. X. Thank you for being part of the solution. We need less forum handwringing and more action. Educating the public on how to protect themselves is Step 1.  Thank you!

    • Seaview Res November 27, 2023 (5:22 pm)

      Thanks Mr. X.  This is probably the most helpful and action forward post on this thread.  Great contribution to the conversation.  

    • H November 27, 2023 (6:57 pm)

      The robbers were asking about his phone so bringing it out for them to see is not the best idea in this particular situation. But still a good idea. 

  • Orb November 27, 2023 (7:54 am)

    I am so sorry this happened to your son. He sounds like he did all the right things that helped keep him safe. However, he got lucky this time. We need a change. Lawless Seattle is downright scary. And when it starts directly affecting our kids we’ve got a major problem. 

  • Sam November 27, 2023 (7:55 am)

    The car was not a Prius. It was a black Kia. I know this because the same car drove into a woman’s car on Hinds TWICE. I tried to help her. She called the police, they came and wrote up a report. I saw the car speed north on Walnut at what seemed like 60 mph. It was weaving so it’s a miracle that no one else’s car was hit. Same time roughly yesterday afternoon. As you can imagine, the woman and her young daughter were shook up.  

    • sam-c November 27, 2023 (1:30 pm)

      Was that the white car mentioned in the story that WSB posted (the first car that the teen sought help from ), or did they hit ANOTHER car twice before driving off ?

      • Sam November 28, 2023 (12:51 pm)

        Same white car. 

  • Seattlite November 27, 2023 (8:25 am)

    First and foremost, your son’s reaction was what saved him.  West Seattle and greater Seattle are experiencing terrifyingly bold criminals who have no fear of committing crimes with witnesses looking on as the crime unfolds.  The red Mazda’s driver was quick to assess the situation and helped the young man out.  PLEASE remember that situational awareness is key in keeping safe.

  • Steph November 27, 2023 (10:36 am)

    There are cameras and licence plate readers in so many places. If these people have been involved in other crimes, catching them should be more of a priority than traffic tickets, which people get in the mail if they drive in the wrong place or too fast.Carry long range pepper spray all the time.Good job, young man and I think we’re all grateful there are good people like those in the red car. Heroes of our troubled times!

    • Seattlite November 27, 2023 (2:50 pm)

      Steph…I may be wrong but I think a lot of the cars used by criminals to commit these horrible crimes are stolen which might hinder police from tracking down the criminals.  I like your idea of pepper spray.  Also, an accessible whistle that is loud and clear can startle the criminal which gives the victim a second or two to get away.

    • je November 27, 2023 (9:41 pm)

      It’s most likely a stolen car, though.

  • WSRes November 27, 2023 (11:00 am)

    So much praise to the red Prius for helping this young person out.  Hopefully, more kind citizens of WS will do this instead of looking the other way.   We need to stick together to protect each other against these criminals.  What a bunch of thugs.  I am going to get my 15 year old a taser and mace in case she is in that situation.

    • Christine November 27, 2023 (12:15 pm)

      Consider getting your daughter a very loud personal alarm instead of a taser and mace. That’s what the police recommended in a class I took from them — Virtual SPD Personal Safety Class. They said this is because most of us don’t know how to use a taser or mace and we can end up shooting it wrong, missing, or even hurting ourselves. The other option is to have your daughter practice A LOT with those items. 

    • Rhonda November 27, 2023 (3:41 pm)

      Yes, I recommend some sort of self defense spray or pepper spray to all teenage females all the way up to elderly women. Personal alarms will do nothing to stop a violent attack.

  • MW November 27, 2023 (11:40 am)

    Yeah, be careful how you equip kids with pepper spray- police said the threesome in the criminal car had a gun. I can imagine what might happen if he used pepper spray on a criminal with a gun.   Armed robberies for months? and yet the cops haven’t arrested? yet they seem very familiar with the descriptions?  Arrest and INCARCERATE now! before they kill.  

  • rex November 27, 2023 (9:34 pm)

    It has been said to do your best to escape a potential assailant as best you can, fight/flight as if your life depended on it.  The result of staying is generally much worse than if you had attempted to get away. 

  • End of 35th November 28, 2023 (2:30 am)

    shady cars always gather at the pocket park at southern end of 35th Ave. try to avoid it when walking clients’ dogs that live down there. 

  • Leonidas November 28, 2023 (11:16 am)

    Adequate self-defense should be incorporated into all public school Physical Education classes starting in first grade. The proper response to “Give me your cell phone” is “Come and take it.”

    We need to be raising lions, not lambs.

    • Rhonda November 28, 2023 (7:44 pm)

      Amen!

  • J November 28, 2023 (10:34 pm)

    I feel for this young man. He is NOT unharmed. He was traumatized and that experience will cause PTSD for the rest of his life. I have been told by police to always carry a second wallet or money clip containing a few dollars and an expired credit card in it. Plus an old deactivated cell phone. In an incident like this it’s best to toss the second wallet and deactivated cell phone toward the offender and run. They will go for the “fake” wallet and old cellphone while you escape. I carry these every time I walk at night, take the bus or go downtown.

Sorry, comment time is over.